Elementary students across Georgia are being encouraged to put their artistic talents to work while learning more about the state’s wildlife.
Georgia is considering the first major update to its list of protected plants and animals in two decades, a move that could add 145 species whose populations are declining or facing significant threats.
With Georgia hunting seasons approaching, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources is reminding hunters to make sure they have completed required hunter education before heading to the woods or purchasing a season hunting license.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources is revitalizing a statewide program aimed at preventing drownings and other water-related injuries, with hundreds of new life jackets being made available to people enjoying Georgia’s lakes, rivers and other waterways.
James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park will offer visitors two opportunities to explore the natural world on Saturday, August 22, with a Plant ID Hike during the morning and a Creatures of the Night program that evening.
The Plant ID Hike begins at 10 a.m. Saturday. The ranger-led program gives participants an opportunity to explore some of the plant life found at the park while learning more about identifying native plants and the role they play in the surrounding ecosystem.
Later Saturday, visitors can return for Creatures of the Night at 8:30 p.m. The nighttime program offers a chance to experience the park after dark and learn more about the animals and other creatures that become active after the sun goes down.
Both programs are part of Sloppy Floyd State Park’s August lineup of outdoor activities.
Those interested in participating are asked to call the James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park office at 706-857-0826 to register or for additional information.
James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park is located near Summerville in Chattooga County.
Most boat owners in Chattooga County will not receive a tax bill in 2026 following a change in state law that increased the exemption on boat accounts.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division has released its 2026 Wildlife Management Area dove field forecast to help hunters prepare for the upcoming season.
The forecast was compiled following months of preparation by Game Management staff and provides information about field conditions at participating WMAs across Georgia. DNR officials emphasize that the ratings describe only the condition of each field and are not predictions of dove numbers or hunting success.
Hunters can use the forecast to review familiar hunting areas or consider visiting a new location this season.
Many WMA dove fields are available only through quota hunts. Hunters interested in those locations must submit their applications through GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com by August 15.
The complete forecast and additional dove-hunting information are available through the Georgia Wildlife Resources Division.
View the 2026 WMA Dove Field Forecast here https://georgiawildlife.com/hunting/dove
Queen City Lake Beach in LaFayette will remain closed into next week as city officials continue investigating elevated E. coli levels in the water.
The City of LaFayette says daily testing has been conducted in an effort to determine the source of the contamination. While E. coli levels remain elevated, officials say the testing patterns have been inconclusive. The city is expanding the testing area to collect additional data and develop a clearer picture of the problem.
City officials are also working with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources for guidance concerning the non-native duck population around the lake, which may be contributing to the elevated bacteria levels.
Residents have also reported a sewer leak located some distance from the shoreline. The line is privately owned, and the city says the organization responsible for it has begun making repairs. That work is expected to be completed in the coming weeks.
Officials say they do not want to draw conclusions before the testing is complete and will continue collecting data while the beach remains closed.
Governor Brian Kemp has officially proclaimed August 2026 as Shooting Sports Month in Georgia, recognizing the state’s long-standing hunting traditions, recreational shooting opportunities, and the economic impact of the industry. The proclamation encourages Georgians of all experience levels to safely enjoy shooting sports throughout the month.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division is encouraging residents to visit one of the state’s more than 45 public archery and shooting ranges, many of which are located on Wildlife Management Areas and Public Fishing Areas. The agency also promotes firearm safety training and responsible participation in shooting sports.
According to DNR, Georgia’s shooting sports and hunting industry contributed an estimated $2.7 billion to the state’s economy in 2024 and supports nearly 11,000 jobs. In addition, Georgia received more than $19.2 million in federal wildlife conservation funding in 2025 through the Pittman-Robertson Act, which is funded by excise taxes on firearms, ammunition, and archery equipment. Those funds help support wildlife management, habitat conservation, hunter education, and public shooting ranges across the state.
The proclamation highlights the role hunters and shooting sports enthusiasts play in conservation while encouraging safe, responsible firearm ownership and recreation throughout the month of August.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division has released the 2026-2027 Georgia Hunting and Fishing Regulations and Seasons Guide, giving hunters and anglers an updated resource ahead of the upcoming outdoor seasons.